There's no quick, magic solution to getting your hair to grow fast, according to Karen Marie Shelton, author of "Hair Growing Tips," on Hair Boutique.com. Hair growth is a slow process, occurring at a rate of about 1/2 inch per month. Hair can grow more slowly than that or break off due to damage, making it seem like your hair isn't growing at all. If you're not interested in using pills or supplements that promise fast hair growth, there are several avenues to explore that will help you get long locks in as little time as possible.
Step 1
Brush your hair every day. Brushing distributes your natural scalp oils over the entire hair shaft. It also stimulates your scalp, which can encourage growth. Use a wide-tooth comb, according to experts at Long Locks.com, and never brush when your hair is wet, as this can cause breakage and damage.
Step 2
Trim your hair when it appears to be damaged. Trimming your hair removes damaged and split ends. Leaving these ends can cause the damage to spread up the hair shaft. If this happens, the long locks you have been cultivating could start to split and break off. Trim off 1/4 inch when you begin to see regular signs of damage.
Step 3
Keep your hair healthy and damage-free to stimulate growth and prevent breakage. Use a leave-in conditioner with sunblock in it if you'll be in the sun for a long time. Use heat sparingly, but when you do heat style your hair, use a protective product and extra conditioners to protect your hair. Avoid metal barrettes and rubber bands, as these almost always damage your hair. Limit time in chlorinated or salted water. Use a leave-in conditioner to keep moisture balance throughout the day.
Step 4
Get plenty of rest and relaxation. According to Shelton, getting enough sleep is essential to growing healthy hair. Massaging the scalp is also a relaxing way to rest while simultaneously stimulating your hair follicles. Avoid stress, as extreme stress can cause hair shedding in some people.
Step 5
Resist the urge to shave. According to Health Services at Columbia University, it's a myth that shaving your hair causes it to grow back thicker and faster. What's really happening is healthy hair is emerging where damaged hair previously existed. This is why it appears to be growing in thicker and quicker. Trim only for damage and only occasionally.
Step 6
Take care of yourself. Eating a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, like folic acid and calcium, will help ensure your hair grows quickly. Shelton recommends avoiding cigarettes, alcohol and caffeinated beverages, as they weaken the body and interrupt hair growth.
Tips and Warnings
- Be patient. Don't jump the gun and get extensions or other hair treatments that can damage your hair. This will put you in a vicious cycle of hair damage and treatments. Wait it out and be rewarded with long, natural locks.
Things You'll Need
- Wide-tooth comb
- Conditioner
- Sunscreen
- Heat-styling protection products
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